Dujon Sterling to Rangers transfer edges closer as Chelsea open door for defender to sign 'long term' contract

Defender Dujon Sterling appears to be edging closer to a move to Rangers with the defender reportedly being given the green light for the deal by Chelsea.

Michael Beale is set to reunited with Sterling who helped through the youth ranks at Stamford Bridge as the 23-year-old enters the final weeks of his contract with the Premier League side. The England youth international is currently on loan at Stoke City and Potters' boss Alex Neil had been keen to land the right-sided defender, but the Evening Standard report that Rangers have won the race to sign the star.

Chelsea have reportedly given the defender "the green light to move to Ibrox on a long-term contract" with the player to be released at the end of the season. A number of clubs tracking the star but it is suggested his connection to Beale as well as Rangers offering a route to play in the Champions League next season and compete with Celtic for trophies sealed the deal.

Sterling came through the Blues' youth ranks with the likes of Mason Mount, Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah, Tammy Abraham and Callum Hudson-Odoi but made just one appearance for the first-team while Antonio Conte was in charge after being hampered by injuries. Despite this he has impressed in the Championship this term as well as on loan at Blackpool, Wigan and Coventry.

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